Rockville, MD Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are often devastating. They can leave behind destroyed vehicles and victims with life-threatening injuries. That is why it is important to seek compensation from the parties that acted negligently and caused the truck accident.
If you or a family member was a victim of a severe truck accident, contact an experienced Rockville truck accident lawyer today.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are dedicated to pursuing compensation for our clients who have been injured due to the actions of a negligent individual or entity.
Victims should not be burdened with insurmountable medical bills and other expenses because a truck driver failed to act responsibly. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
You can also contact the firm using our online submission form.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Rockville, MD
If you were involved in a truck accident in Rockville, your first course of action should be to get yourself and any passengers to safety. If your vehicle is still functional, you should attempt to move it to a safe area on the road, which can be difficult if the accident occurs on a highway.
If you suffered any injuries, you should call for an ambulance to transport you and any other injured individuals to a local hospital. When receiving treatment, you should ensure that you communicate the cause of the injury to the medical staff to help document your claim.
Additionally, you should contact law enforcement to assess the scene of the accident. A police report can assist you when reporting the accident to your insurance carrier.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may have a legal duty to report the accident to law enforcement, especially if a person was severely injured or killed in the crash.
Request Information from the Truck Driver
Once you get to safety, you should exchange information with the driver of the truck. The following information should be requested:
- The name of the truck driver and their contact information
- The license plate, make and model of the truck, and the insurance company that insures the truck
- The name of the truck driver’s employer
It is vital that you request the name of the company that employs the truck driver. If the accident occurred while the truck driver was transporting a shipment for their employer, the trucking company could be held liable through the doctrine of respondeat superior.
This doctrine allows an employer to be held vicariously liable for the actions of an employee that occurred in furtherance of the employer’s goals.
While the truck driver would be personally liable to the victim of the accident, they may be unable to compensate a victim for their injuries and damage to their vehicle. This is especially true if the victim requires extensive medical care.
Gather Evidence of the Accident
Next, you should gather the information that can help your insurance company determine who was at fault for the accident. As Maryland is an at-fault state for car accidents, it is vital to have information that shows you were not responsible for the accident.
You should collect the following evidence concerning the truck accident:
- The intersection or road where the accident occurred
- Photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles you collided with
- Photos of your injuries and any injuries sustained by passengers in the vehicle
- Any adverse weather conditions that may have led to the accident
Additionally, if any witnesses observed the accident, you should ask them to provide you with a statement. Be sure to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who witnessed the accident or the aftermath.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once you can, you should report the accident to your insurance company. Your insurance company will contact the insurance company used by the trucking company.
At this point, you may be contacted by a representative from the insurance company representing the negligent truck driver. This representative will not have your interests in mind and will be looking for a way for the company to avoid liability. As a result, you should ensure you have your facts straight and avoid making unnecessary statements.
To learn more about when to file a lawsuit for a trucking accident injury, continue reading and speak with an experienced Rockville personal injury lawyer.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Trucking Accident in Rockville, MD
If the injuries you suffered in a trucking accident will not be adequately compensated, you should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, remember that your case is subject to the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations determines the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit against a defendant. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If your case is not filed within three years, the court has the authority to bar your claim.
Do not wait to pursue the compensation you deserve; our firm can help you get started on your personal injury claim.
Work with Our Experienced Rockville Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member sustained severe injuries due to a catastrophic truck accident, consult with an experienced Rockville truck accident lawyer today.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras have served residents of Maryland since 2009, and we are prepared to offer you the legal representation that you deserve. You do not have to fight your case alone. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras to schedule a free legal consultation. You may also contact us online.
